"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Why do men often tell someone about sexual abuse

In Australia, its estimates are almost One of the five boys (18.8 %) Experience children's sexual abuse. And not less than One of 16 men (6.1 %) Experience sexual violence after 15 years of age.

However, many boys and men don’t tell others about these experiences. Studies show that men are Likely to be less to Sexual abuse revealed And more attacks than women.

It also takes boys and men to the primary time Sexual abuse revealed Or attack average, men wait 21 years Before telling someone about abuse.

This is an issue because To talk to others Understanding and recovering from these traumatic experiences is commonly a very important part. When boys and men don’t discuss these experiences, then Their mental health problems and loneliness are at risk of worsening And they don't get Need their help.

We wanted to grasp what stops boys and men from telling others about sexual abuse and attacks (or “sexual trauma”). So we held An organized reviewWhere we now have collected evidence from quite a few studies on this topic.

We got 69 related studies, including greater than 10,500 boys and men who suffered sexual trauma from world wide. Studies were published in 23 countries of six continents with most studies from the United States, Canada and the UK. Two studies were published in Australia.

Our latest results indicate how we will break the barriers that we will to stop men and boys from discussing sexual trauma.

Many boys and men don’t tell anyone in the event that they are sexually assaulted.
G Point Studio/Shutter Stock

Eliminating a male identity

We present in countries and cultures, the sexual trauma of boys and men affected their masculine identity. It included the sensation as in the event that they weren’t “real men”, or that they were weak due to targeting and attacking them.

I A studyA partner explained:

Sexual abuse of humans can also be abusive against his masculinity.

Almost universes globally, boys and men suffered severe feelings of shame and crime, and plenty of have accused themselves for a long time for a long time.

Many boys and men said they were anxious that others think they’re homosexuals in the event that they have been revealed to be abused or attacking. These harmful stereotypes reflect widespread homo -phobic attitudes, in addition to misconduct about people who find themselves abusive and attacks.

Sexual exploitation against boys and men has long been neglected, dismissed and misunderstood. Participants felt the prohibited nature of this problem. As a physician who supported men who survived abuse In a study:

We do not need a cultural place for men.

LGBTQIA+ Men face additional obstacles to disclosure. Concerns related to some experienced problems Abuse or attack somehow causes their sexuality, or contributes. Many people also reported to receive Non -co -co -op and homophobic reactions When they revealed abuse and attacks on others. It has reduced and dismissed their stories, or the suggestions they might have agreed to draw other men.

Dishonor in the event that they tell

In many cases, boys and men who tried to inform others about their sexual trauma were present in the notorious and non -helpful response. Something Was chargedFor, for, for,. Told that they are making itOr Even the jokes.

Others were discouraged from talking about their experiences again. In some countries, people ask boys and men to not discuss abuse or attack because they’re seen as shameful as themselves and their families.

The boys and men who were attacked by women were often told that their experiments couldn’t be categorized as abuse or attacks, or that Enough to ensure support shouldn’t be so bad.

Understanding why men don't talk

Many of those obstacles are attached to the disclosure Harmful myths About sexual abuse and attacks between boys and men. These include false beliefs that men usually are not abused or attacked, and that only gay is abused or attacked.

Further, many individuals imagine that sexual abuse or attacks Men should behave “how”: For example, everlasting demonstration of physical strength, dominance, self -reliance and hardship.

What does it mean to be a human Prevent many boys and men from disclosing sexual traumaAnd have an effect on what others react once they reveal.

It can mean boys and men too Try to bury their difficulties after sex trauma Because they think they’re expected to be non -emotional and face their problems freely.

The man sitting in the therapy session.
If men don’t feel relieved to inform anyone about their experience, they might not give you the option to assist.
Drazian zigk/shutter stock

What else can we do?

We know that experiencing sexual trauma is closely linked to the vital problems of mental health in boys and men. They include Abuse of substance And addiction, Post -trumatic stress disorderFor, for, for,. Deprivation And even Suicide.

Receiving non -cooperation and notorious reactions when they simply attempt to get help Makes these problems more worseAnd increases the cycle of silence and shame.

We must eliminate the obstacles that boys and men show these traumatic experiences. Doing so can save lives.

Not just encouraging boys and men to reveal sexual trauma, not only encourages them to come back forward. We must make certain that other persons are able to respond safely once they decide to speak.

There are some ways to boost awareness about sexual exploitation and attacks with boys and men. For example, like television shows Baby polar deer Helps keep this issue on the forefront of the conversation. Health campaigns that clearly discuss sexual trauma to boys and men may also be helpful.

We also have to do more work to be sure that boys and men facing sexual trauma Suitable places to go for help. Australia has some services that work vital on this place, resembling Backward and fellow networks support. However, maximum financing and support could be very vital, so men across the country have protected places to debate and get better their experiences.